Pentagon officials are defending former Acting Navy Secretary Thomas Modly's recent trip to Guam, which was revealed to cost $243,000.
According to USA Today, officials with the Department of Defense say they needed to "talk to folks in the Pacific" and have "eyes on" the situation in order to "best figure out what’s going on."
Modly traveled to the USS Theodore Roosevelt last weekend to address the sailors on board regarding the firing of Capt. Brett Crozier, who had raised concerns about a coronavirus outbreak spreading on the ship. In a memo obtained by news outlets, Crozier had asked the Navy for additional assistance in handling the ship's outbreak.
In a leaked audio recording of Modly's address, he can be heard telling the crew that Crozier was "too naive or too stupid" to lead the USS Theodore Roosevelt. Several lawmakers condemned his remarks, including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who called for his resignation. Modly resigned from his post earlier this week.
Modly will be replaced by Under Secretary of the Army James McPherson. Meanwhile, more than 400 sailors aboard the ship have tested positive for the virus. One of which was found unresponsive Thursday and is currently receiving treatment in an intensive care unit on the island.
Contains footage from CNN.
